Located in the heart of Mt Albert, Auckland, New Zealand, the Sanctuary Mahi Whenua is a precious open green space. It includes a mature food forest and beautiful biodynamic gardens. The Sanctuary Mahi Whenua is situated within the Unitec Mt Albert campus and includes a well used public greenway connection to the Oakley Creek Walkway.

The fertile volcanic soils of the site have been cultivated by Maori since pre-European times. For the last 18 years, it has been a showcase for sustainable living, demonstrating how to preserve the land, grow food organically and stay healthy. Today, over 140 tree species, including several from New Zealand's offshore islands and many hundreds of other plants and animal species are established there. The Sanctuary Mahi Whenua is a biodiversity jewel for Auckland city whilst being a high-quality recreational space enjoyed by a wide range of members of the wider community.

The Sanctuary Mahi Whenua is under threat

The Wairaka Land Company (WLC), a subsidiary of Unitec, has advised the land on which the Sanctuary is sited, is to be sold for development, and the Sanctuary will cease to exist in its present form. This will result in the loss of the cultural heritage, biodiversity and key location that makes the Sanctuary a natural pivot and connection point with its wider surrounds.

Unitec’s land company (WLC) has advised that the Sanctuary must be vacated by 1 May 2018 in preparation for the land being sold for development by the end of 2018.

You can show your support and help save this significant green space for future generations by signing the petition.

The Sanctuary Mahi Whenua society on behalf of the community, will present the petition to the Acting Chief Executive of Unitec asking that the Sanctuary Mahi Whenua be retained for the community as a valuable taonga.